Barra da Tijuca

Rio de Janeiro , Brazil

Latin America’s largest Convention Centre, RioCentro, is in Barra da Tijuca. The Barra Shopping centre is also the largest of its kind there housing over 650 shops. The Rio Water Planet waterpark is immense although it’s at the periphery and a twenty minute car journey away. There is a long bike lane along the Avenida Lúcio Costa and a skate bowl in Praça Sao Perpetuo. There are also nearby parks and nature reserves, such as Tijuca National Park which has trails, caves and waterfalls. Other famous landmarks are the mountains Pedra da Gávea and Corcovado, whose peak is home to the iconic 38 metre tall statue of Christ the Redeemer, and is considered as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

The centre of Rio de Janeiro is a 20 minute drive away and there you shouldn’t miss out on the breath taking panoramic views from the Sugarloaf Cable Car which runs between Praia Vermelha and Sugarloaf Mountain, one of several monolithic granite mountains that rise up from the water’s edge. In the Madureira Park there is an incredible skatepark with an extensive street zone full of fun elements, a big bowl and a simple pool. You could also visit the Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon Beaches, the Carioca Aqueduct, the Maracaná Stadium and if your trip coincides with the Rio de Janeiro Carnival just before Easter, you are likely to have an experience that you won’t forget.